Marine Toilets Buying Guide – Efficient & Compact

Marine toilets, often overlooked, play a crucial role in the overall boating experience. They are specially designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide essential sanitation facilities on board. Unlike regular home toilets, marine toilets are built to handle waste in a more compact and efficient manner, making them an indispensable part of any sea vessel.

Choosing the right marine toilet is not just about convenience or comfort. It’s about ensuring the health and safety of everyone on board. A poorly chosen or poorly maintained marine toilet can lead to unpleasant odors, health hazards, and even serious damage to the marine environment. Therefore, it’s important to make an informed decision when selecting a marine toilet for your boat.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of marine toilets, including their function, different types, factors to consider when buying, efficiency, installation, maintenance, and their environmental impact. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge to choose the right marine toilet that suits your needs and contributes to a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Our Top Marine Toilets Picks

The TMC Electric Marine Toilet by Five Oceans offers a compact and robust solution for marine sanitation needs. Featuring a heavy-duty built-in macerator pump, this toilet is designed to handle both freshwater and seawater environments. The 316 stainless steel blade ensures corrosion resistance, while the self-priming function allows for installation above or below the waterline, offering versatility. The toilet can be mounted to the floor and includes a variety of installation options, including adaptable discharge ports and easy-to-use on-off switch for flush control.

The SEAFLO 12V Electric Marine Toilet Boating Head is designed for marine environments, offering a convenient and reliable solution for onboard sanitation. This toilet features a self-priming pump, which can use both raw or fresh water, making it versatile for various boating conditions. The built-in backflow preventer ensures optimal functionality and prevents unwanted backflow during use. The toilet is push-button activated for easy operation and has a maximum draw of 20A at 12V, making it energy-efficient for boaters.

The Jabsco 37010 Series Electric Marine Toilet is designed to provide a reliable and efficient solution for onboard sanitation in marine environments. It features a self-priming rinse pump, allowing it to bring in water from the sea, river, or lake directly into the bowl. This flexibility makes it suitable for various boating needs. The toilet’s design includes a built-in backflow preventer, which guards against flooding and waste return, ensuring a clean and hygienic experience.

The TMC Electric Marine Toilet is an excellent choice for marine vessels and RVs, providing efficient and reliable sanitation with its compact design and advanced features. This model features a small bowl with a macerator pump and smart flush control, ensuring easy installation and consistent performance.

The Johnson Pump AquaT Manual Marine Toilet is a reliable and efficient choice for marine sanitation, offering a simple and robust solution for boats. This floor-mounted, manual toilet is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment while providing ease of use.

Understanding Marine Toilets

Marine toilets, also known as marine sanitation devices, are designed to manage and dispose of human waste on boats. They are built to function efficiently in a limited space and under the challenging conditions of a marine environment. The primary function of a marine toilet is to provide a sanitary and convenient way for waste disposal on a boat, ensuring the comfort and health of the occupants.

There are several types of marine toilets, each with its unique features and mechanisms. The most common types include manual pump toilets, electric toilets, vacuum toilets, and composting toilets. Manual pump toilets are the simplest and most common, using a hand or foot pump to flush the waste. Electric toilets, on the other hand, use an electric pump for flushing and are often more comfortable and easier to use. Vacuum toilets use a vacuum mechanism to suck out the waste, while composting toilets decompose the waste into compost, reducing its volume and odor.

Understanding the different types of marine toilets is crucial in making an informed decision. Each type has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the size and type of your boat.

Factors to Consider When Buying Marine Toilets

When buying a marine toilet, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size and space available on your boat. Marine toilets come in different sizes and designs, and it’s important to choose one that fits comfortably in your boat’s bathroom without taking up too much space. Measure the available space carefully before making a purchase.

The material and durability of the toilet are also important considerations. Marine toilets are exposed to a harsh environment and should be made of durable materials that can withstand saltwater, humidity, and constant motion. Stainless steel and porcelain are commonly used materials due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.

Another factor to consider is the ease of installation. Some marine toilets are easy to install and can be done by the boat owner, while others may require professional installation. Consider your skills and willingness to install the toilet yourself when making a decision. Also, consider the maintenance requirements of the toilet. Some toilets are easy to maintain and clean, while others may require more frequent and complex maintenance.

Finally, consider your budget. Marine toilets can range from affordable to quite expensive, depending on the type, brand, and features. It’s important to choose a toilet that fits within your budget but also meets your needs in terms of size, durability, ease of installation, and maintenance.

The Efficiency of Marine Toilets

Efficiency is a key factor in choosing a marine toilet. One aspect of efficiency is water usage. Marine toilets should use as little water as possible to conserve the boat’s water supply. Some toilets use as little as one pint of water per flush, while others may use more. Check the water usage of the toilet before buying to ensure it’s efficient and suitable for your boat’s water supply.

Power consumption is another aspect of efficiency. If you’re choosing an electric or vacuum toilet, check how much power it consumes. A toilet that consumes too much power can drain your boat’s battery and cause problems. Choose a toilet with low power consumption to ensure it doesn’t affect your boat’s power supply.

Waste management efficiency is also important. The toilet should effectively manage waste to prevent odors and health hazards. Some toilets have advanced waste management features, such as macerators that grind the waste into small particles, making it easier to manage and dispose of.

Compact Marine Toilets

Compact marine toilets are a popular choice for small boats due to their space-saving design. They are designed to fit in tight spaces without compromising functionality or comfort. Compact toilets often have innovative features to maximize space, such as foldable seats or compact flush mechanisms.

Despite their small size, compact marine toilets can be as efficient and durable as larger models. They can be manual, electric, vacuum, or composting, depending on your preference. Some top compact marine toilets in the market include the Jabsco Lite Flush Compact Marine Toilet and the Thetford Tecma EasyFit Eco Marine Toilet.

Choosing a compact marine toilet can greatly enhance the comfort and convenience of your boating experience, especially if you have a small boat. However, it’s important to ensure that the toilet is durable, efficient, and easy to maintain, despite its small size.

Review of Top Marine Toilets

There are many marine toilets available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Some top-rated marine toilets include the Jabsco Manual Marine Toilet, the Raritan Marine Elegance Electric Toilet, and the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet.

The Jabsco Manual Marine Toilet is a popular choice due to its simplicity, durability, and affordability. It has a manual pump that’s easy to use and a compact design that fits in most boat bathrooms. However, it requires manual pumping, which may not be convenient for everyone.

The Raritan Marine Elegance Electric Toilet is a high-end model with advanced features. It has a quiet and efficient electric flush, a comfortable seat, and a stylish design. However, it’s more expensive and requires a power supply for operation.

The Nature’s Head Composting Toilet is an eco-friendly option that decomposes waste into compost. It’s compact, odor-free, and doesn’t require water or electricity. However, it requires regular emptying and maintenance of the composting system.

Installation Guide for Marine Toilets

Installing a marine toilet can be a straightforward process if you have the right tools and instructions. Most marine toilets come with a detailed installation guide. However, the general steps include measuring and marking the installation area, drilling holes for the mounting bolts, installing the toilet and securing it with the bolts, connecting the water supply and waste outlet, and testing the toilet to ensure it’s working properly.

While some boat owners prefer to install the toilet themselves, others may prefer to hire a professional. If you’re not confident in your skills or if the toilet requires complex installation, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the toilet is installed correctly and safely.

Common installation issues include incorrect measurements, difficulty in connecting the water supply or waste outlet, and leaks. These issues can be solved by double-checking measurements, using the correct fittings and seals, and testing the toilet thoroughly after installation.

Maintenance and Care for Marine Toilets

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your marine toilet functioning properly and prolong its lifespan. Routine maintenance includes cleaning the toilet regularly with suitable cleaning products, checking the seals and fittings for leaks, and lubricating the pump and other moving parts.

Common problems with marine toilets include clogs, leaks, and pump failure. Clogs can be prevented by using marine-friendly toilet paper and avoiding flushing foreign objects. Leaks can be detected early by regular inspection and fixed by replacing the seals or fittings. Pump failure can often be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the pump, or in some cases, replacing the pump.

Always refer to the toilet’s manual for specific maintenance instructions and troubleshooting tips. If you’re unable to fix a problem, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid causing further damage to the toilet.

Environmental Impact of Marine Toilets

Marine toilets can have a significant impact on the marine environment if not managed properly. Improper disposal of waste can lead to pollution and harm marine life. Therefore, it’s important to choose a marine toilet that manages waste efficiently and complies with marine sanitation regulations.

Eco-friendly marine toilets, such as composting toilets, are a great option for reducing environmental impact. They decompose waste into compost, reducing its volume and eliminating the need for chemical treatments or discharge into the sea. Other eco-friendly features to look for include low water usage, low power consumption, and waste treatment systems that neutralize harmful bacteria and viruses.

Conclusion

Choosing the right marine toilet is a crucial decision that can greatly affect your boating experience and the marine environment. It’s not just about comfort and convenience, but also about health, safety, and environmental responsibility. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to understand marine toilets, consider all the factors, and make an informed decision.

Whether you choose a simple manual toilet, a high-end electric toilet, or an eco-friendly composting toilet, ensure it’s durable, efficient, easy to install and maintain, and suitable for your boat and budget. Remember, a good marine toilet is an investment in your comfort, health, and the health of our oceans.

With this comprehensive guide, we hope you’re now equipped with the knowledge to choose the right marine toilet. Happy boating!

FAQ

What is a marine toilet?
A marine toilet, also known as a marine sanitation device, is a toilet designed for use on boats. It’s built to function efficiently in a limited space and under the challenging conditions of a marine environment.

What are the different types of marine toilets?
The most common types of marine toilets are manual pump toilets, electric toilets, vacuum toilets, and composting toilets.

What factors should I consider when buying a marine toilet?
Consider the size and space on your boat, the material and durability of the toilet, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, and your budget.

How do I install a marine toilet?
Most marine toilets come with a detailed installation guide. The general steps include measuring and marking the installation area, drilling holes for the mounting bolts, installing the toilet and securing it with the bolts, connecting the water supply and waste outlet, and testing the toilet to ensure it’s working properly.

How do I maintain a marine toilet?
Routine maintenance includes cleaning the toilet regularly with suitable cleaning products, checking the seals and fittings for leaks, and lubricating the pump and other moving parts.

How do marine toilets affect the environment?
Improper disposal of waste from marine toilets can lead to pollution and harm marine life. Therefore, it’s important to choose a marine toilet that manages waste efficiently and complies with marine sanitation regulations.